So the
report is out now and suggests a mis-managed autopilot, or rather, attempting to hand-fly in pitch, with the autopilot also engaged, such that when it was disengaged the aircraft was seriously out of trim with insufficient height/awareness to recover. Of note, Garmin doesn't think a caution against doing so, in the same vein as the previous Bendix King autopilot, is warrented as apparently not doing so 'is common knowledge' - well, apparently not...
The last recorded data shows a -10* FD pitch command, and a -24* pitch angle. At around 750AGL. Small wonder the MLG and nose (not the NLG) hit almost simultaneously. Yikes!
Also it's interesting to note a requirement of the school that NavEx's be conducted with a minimum height of 1000AGL, and the plan is to be checked by an instructor. The plan for the accident flight resulted in a clearance of only 250AGL on one leg.
"But, but. but, most students flew to one side of the hill..."